10 Types of Heart Drugs

ACE inhibitors aren't the only way to relax the blood vessels. Vasodilators are a type of drug that tells the smooth muscle tissue in a blood vessel to relax, kick up its heels and take a load off. As these tiny muscle fibers relax throughout the system, the heart finds it a lot easier to pump blood throughout the body, and blood pressure decreases.

One issue with vasodilators is that they can work too well. Taking them can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure, leaving you seeing stars, sitting down and seeking medical assistance.

These drugs aren't usually used by themselves to treat high blood pressure -- they're often prescribed along with other heart drugs, such as beta blockers, diuretics or ACE inhibitors.

Did You Know?

According to Medline Plus, fainting, which is also known as syncope, isn't uncommon -- at least a third of us will faint sometime in our lives.